exhaust options in US

[cobra407]

My r65ls is needing a new exhaust system. What is the best option in terms of price? fit? sound? I wouldnt mind if it were a bit louder

I still have the original black pipes-- stainless might be better than chrome finish?

thanks peter

[Ed Miller]

I always vote for stainless (funds permitting) because I won't have to buy any more.  

[luxlogs]

Looking forward to the replies on this one. My friends call my 65 the sewing machine due to its growl, more like a purr.

[bruce_launceston]

I've always reserved the 'sewing machine' tag for the K series.

[Teo]

I have Staintune on the '82 R65ls - very nice.  I opted for the R65 style vs the flat end LS style.  Beautiful things they are, but, like all SS, they are pricey.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

i hate that reset button.  

[luxlogs]

I've always reserved the 'sewing machine' tag for the K series.

I humbly stand corrected.

[Julio A.]

Isn't the OEM ones stainless already? Just asking.

I would really opt to go for stainless that any other metal,
even though it is heavier, no amount of tarnish can prevent it from achieving a mirror like finish when properly buffed and polished.

btw, a mechanic that was unfamiliar with BMW's did told me it sounded like a sewing machine.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Isn't the OEM ones stainless already? Just asking.

I would really opt to go for stainless that any other metal,
even though it is heavier, no amount of tarnish can prevent it from achieving a mirror like finish when properly buffed and polished.

btw, a mechanic that was unfamiliar with BMW's did told me it sounded like a sewing machine.  

No, OEM are standard steel with chrome.  Many have rusted.

Since the non-airhead mechanic said your bike sounded like a sewing machine, it must be running great!  

[Julio A.]

Really? The one on my R65 are Stainless ones. Hmmm....
No wonder it was making cars alarm in parking.

I could have sworn it was OEM.  

[Bob_Roller]

I've got a Staintune stainless exhaust system on the '82 LS, it's got a deeper tone to it as compared to a stock system .

Only downside to it, is that the rear axle won't clear the left muffler for rear wheel/tire removal, which could be a problem if you get a flat tire on the road .

[Gene_Ungar]

I replaced my R65LS rotted OEM black mufflers with Epco stainless exhausts (and OEM R65 headpipes) The Epcos have a flat end that looks just like the original.  They look and sound great.

[Julio A.]

If OEM headers are not stainless steel, are the silencers not as well?

[Bob_Roller]

Correct, the entire OEM system is plated steel .

[clouseau]

The guy I bought my bike from replaced the mufflers with the one's from  JC Whitney. They are chrome, affordable and louder than stock. They sound nice to me.
I am startting to see rust forming around the welds and I live in California.